Four flap case opener



Dec. 8, 1959 B. G. coPPlNG FOUR FLAP CASE OPENER 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Dec. 50, 1957 Dec. 8, 1959 Filed Dec. :5o. 1957 B. G- COPPING FOUR FLAP CASE OPENER 4 sheets-sheet 2 FIG. 4

INVENToR. BRUCE G. COPPING Mmmm ATTYS.

Dec. 8, 1959 B. G. COPPING FOUR FLAP CASE OPENER Filed Dec. 30, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 IIYVVENTOR. BRUCE c. COPPING www ATTYS.

United States Patent O FOUR FLAP CASE OPENER Bruce Gray Copping, Akron, Ohio, assignor to Atkron, Inc., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application December 30, 1957, Serial No. 706,154

18 Claims. (Cl. 53-381) This invention relates to box or case ap opening apparatus and especially to apparatus for opening the four top flaps on a case or box of conventional construction having two end ilaps and two side aps for closing the top or bottom of a case, such as one made from cardboard, corrugated board, or the like.

Many different industries today purchase a large nurnber of empty containers from manufacturing concerns and then fill such containers with merchandise for cornmercial sale of a packaged product. When these empty containers, such as bottles, boxes or cans are shipped from the manufacturing concern to the filling concern, such as a brewery, a refinery, a canning factory, or the like, these empty containers are usually shipped in cardboard cases having four flaps on opposite ends and sides thereof for closing action. When the cases are received by the cannery or other manufacturer, the cases are usually opened in such a manner that the cardboard cases can be reused for shipping the filled containers. Usually some type of a plow member is provided for opening the slide flaps as the cases move along through a given path, and various types of apparatus have also been provided heretofore for opening at least a trailing end flap of the lled cases. Thereafter the partially opened cases may be inverted to let the containers turnlble therefrom for further alignment, processing, etc. However, in some instances, it is very desirable that all four flaps of the case be opened before removing the containers therefrom. Thus, removal fingers or other means can be inserted into the cases for engaging and removing the empty containers while keeping them in desired alignment for transfer to a different apparatus, or the open cases may be otherwise processed to remove the containers.

The Igeneral object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved type of apparatus for opening the flaps on boxes, cases or the like characterized by the ability of the apparatus to effectively and positively open all four aps without any injury or damage thereto.

Another object of the apparatus is to provide a compact apparatus with certain control or limit switches therein engaged by a case being processed to operate the apparatus'in such a manner to have all four aps on the case opened as it is processed.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for moving a case forwardly through a flap opening portion of the apparatus to open some of the aps of the case, and to reverse movement of the case temporarily for opening the then trailing end flap on the case, and then to again reverse the case and move it out of the apparatus in the same direction as the case was originally being moved. l

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel hook means for engaging a closed trailing end ap on a case being processed through a given path to automatically open such end ap on the case as it is being moved through the apparatus.

y 2,915,868 Patented Dec. 8, 1959 ICC Further objectsv of the invention are to provide novel and improved electrical control means for moving a case forwardly and then backwardly of given flap opening apparatus and to move the case out of the apparatus after all flaps thereon are opened; to provide special roller and belt members for engaging opened side aps of a case to control the movement of the case through the apparatus by the side flaps; to provide a special control arm assembly on the apparatus to position a hook member in proper relationship to a processed case for opening the trailing end flap thereon; and to provide a double hinged hook member resiliently positioned in the apparatus for engaging a trailing end flap of a case for opening it as the case is moved through the apparatus.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be made more apparent as the specification proceeds.

Attention now is particularly directed to the accompanying drawings wherein apparatus embodying the principles of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Fig. l is a plan view of a four ap case opener apparatus of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a case shown with its four aps in their opened position;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the initial trailing ap opening arm assembly of the apparatus of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section of the trailing end flap arm assembly of Fig. 4 showing it operatively associated with a case being processed;

Fig. 6 is a figure, like Fig. 5, only showing the case as further moved through the apparatus of the invention and with the end ap being opened; v

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary vertical section showing the second trailing end flap opening hook means apparatus of the invention when initially engaged with an end flap;

Fig. 8 is a View, similar to Fig. 7, but with the direction of movement of the box being processed being reversed and with the end flap being shown swinging to its opened position;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 1 to show the means engaging a case that is being processed in the apparatus to control movement thereof; and

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic wiring diagram of the electrical circuit means used in the apparatus of the inven tion.

When referring to corresponding parts shown in the drawings and referred to in the specification, corresponding numerals are used to facilitate comparison therebetween.

The present invention, in general, relates to a case opening apparatus including means such as a conveyor for supporting a case or box having closed side and end iiaps thereon and which conveyor moves the case forwardly, means for opening both the side flaps and the trailing end ilap of the case as it is moved forwardly, means for moving the case to the rear after the said trailing end flap is opened, means for opening the then trailing or second end flap as the case is moved rearwardly in the apparatus, and means for again moving the case forwardly after the trailing flap has been opened.

Attention now is particularly directed to the details of the construction shown in the drawings, and a case opening apparatus of the invention is indicated as a whole by the numeral 1. This case opening apparatus 1 includes a frame 2 having an upper frame section 3 vertically adjustably secured thereto, as by means of a plurality of support rods 4. These support rods 4 are threaded at their upper ends only and engage with suitable tapped sockets 4a on theV upper frame section. The rods 4 are rotatably positioned' by brackets 5 secured to the frame4 2 and by suitable thrust bearing'means 5a. The rods 4 are coupled together for unitary Ycontrol thereof, .as by means of sprockets 6 secured' to the rods4' and engaging an endless chain 7. The chain 7' extends around all four rods provided for supporting the upper frame section'S so that rotation of any one of the rods 4, as by means of aY bar (not shown) engaging a hole in a ro'd 4, will provide unitary rotation of all rods 4 to vary'the relationship of the' upper frame section to the remainder of the apparatus. This adapts the apparatus to handle a varietyof vertical height cases for ap opening action.l

The framev 2 has a conveyor belt 8- suitably journalled thereon. at the input end of the frame'. Suchconveyor usually has a positioningi shaft 9 provided at one end thereof carrying a drive sprocket 9a thereon.' VA drive motor 10l is provided in' the apparatus and connects` to.' the drive sprocket 9a by an endless chain 11 that connectsto a driven sprocket 11a motor 10. Y

A plow 13 is positioned .on the upper frame section 3 and extends towardsthe inputY end of the frame for engaging the side flaps of a case or corrugated: box 14 being processed by the apparatus of theV invention. Initially all four aps, the pair of opposed sideaps and the pair of opposed end flaps on the case 14 are closed when the case is fed into the apparatus; Normally theA case has a plurality of empty containers, such as' cans, bottles or boxes therein. With forward movement of the, conveyor belt 8, the side flaps 15 and 16'on the box or case 14 are opened las the plow 13 is positioned to extend in under these side flaps and fold them back, to open the flaps, with relative movement between the plow and the case being processed. Squeeze rolls 13a engage the sides ofthe case 14 and facilitate the' ap opening action of the plow 13.

After the case 1'4 has passed under the plow 13, a roller 17, journalled on a control arm 18, is positioned torcontact the opened side flap 15. This control arm' 18 is secured to a shaft 19 extending transversely of and journalledV in the upper frame section 3A so that the roller 17 will have rolling engagement with the opened side.V flap of a case being processed and its position is determined by such side iiap. A second'shaft 22 is journalled on the upper frame. section parallel to and'immediately below theshaft 19. Interengaging means are provided to couple the shafts 19 and 22 together and comprise a cam 21 secured to the shaft 19 and'engaginga linger or lug 20'ona support arm 23` secured to the shaft 22. VThe support arm 23 extends in the same general direction as the control arm 18.which. extends in the direction of forward movement of cases through the apparatus 1. A roller 24 is journalled on the support arm 23 and is positioned by the action of the control arm 13 engaging the side flap 15 to rolll on the closed end flap of the case. When not'engaging a case, the control arm 18hangs down to lift the support arm 23 up'out of case engaging position. The arm 23 has a ilapY engaging hook 25 carried'thereby kand extending downwardly therefrom. Such hook 25, vas shown in Fig. 4, is adjustably securedto the arm 23 by means of a'lock bolt 26 received in a slot 27 extending longitudinally'of'the arm 23. Thus the hook can be vertically as well'as longitudinally adjusted with relation to the arm 23 for engaging a trailing end ap 2S of the case 14 as the case is moved through the apparatus. The opposite end flap 29 vremains in itsclosed position while the case is being so-processed. The rollers 17 and 24 and arms 18 and 23 are arranged to prevent the hook 25 from gouging into the leading endof'the case, or from catching in the contents of the case. Figs. 5 and-6Y best show this initial engagement of operatively'connected to the drive the roller 24 andhook 25 with the end flap 28 for openingl actiontliereon. As the-roller 24 drops off the end flap 29, the hook 25 is positioned'to engage the trailingV end;

ilap.28V but has been heldabove the open tops of conf tainers inA the case v14.

Box moving means Fig. 2 of the apparatus clearly shows that a conventional roller conveyor 30 is journalled on or otherwise positioned by the frame 2 at the discharge end of the belt conveyor 8. Such belt conveyor terminates after it has moved the processed case 14 past the trailing end'ap opening hook 25. At such time, the side ilapsf 15 and 16 of the case 14 are opened as is the end flap 2S. The apparatus then provides a means for engaging these open side flaps 15 and 16 for moving the case 14 throughv the apparatus and controlling the position thereof. To this end, a pair of endless belts 31 are positioned by sheaves 32 and 32a to extend along the upper frame section 3 adjacent the lateral margins thereof and to have horizontal courses immediately above theside aps 15 and. 16. These endless belts 31 are partially positioned by backup rolls, or pulleys 33, that reenforce the endless belts 31 and prevent any undesired upward vertical movement thereof. A drive motor M-2 is providedto control the movement:v of thev case 14 and such motor, hereinafter described` inV more detail, is suitably coupled to a shaft 35 of a gear box 36, or the` like. This gear box 36 drives a shaft 37` on which the drive t sheaves 32a for the endlessbelt 31 are positioned. so that the motor M will drive the belt y31 whenever energized.

Fig. 9 of the drawings best showsv that back-up" rolls 3S are resiliently positioned on the upper frame section 3, as by meansof liexible coilhsprings39r so that such rolls 33 will be urged up against the under surfaces. of the side aps 15 and 16 to force theminto vgood driving engagement with the endless belts 31- that are backed up against undesiredjvertical movementV by the positioning rolls 33.

Electric control fl'z'rcutI for casef movement Fig. 2 ofthe drawings best shows that a plurality of limit or control switches LS-1, LS.-2, LSL-3 and LS4` are positioned at longitudinally spaced portions of the upper frame section 3 and that a trip-or actuation. arm 49', 41', 421 and 43, respectively, extend-s'downwardly from eachy one of these limit switches for actuation. orv closing action thereon. These linut switches4 are. provided for controlling the drive circuit or energizationof the. control motor M-2 and elect they energization circuits forv such motor in accordance with the controlmeans. referred yto/hereinafter in more detail. VIn all events, as the. partially opened'case 14 is moved forwardly .throughthe apparatus. 1, Athe side ilap 15 will contact the actuationiarm 40 ofLS-1.and this will eiect. a reversal of drive of the motor. M.2. In such forward movement, the case-14, or-.a sideilaphas contacted and moved the actuation=arm41 but does vnot trip or effect limit switch LS-Z as: itis'actuatedonly by rearward movement of a case in the apparatus. During the?. for,- ward movement of the case. 14y through the case opening apparatus 1, the second end Hap. 29 Yhas beensmoved forwardly past aV second endlflap engagingvhook 44. ,The hook 44 is pivotallycarried by.a carrier bar or arm 45.

vThis carrier arm 45 is secured toa shaft 46 journalled..

which is resiliently drawn against'such'support bar 49V a spring-50'I An adjustable stop.51A positionedbelowthe carrierarm 45 controls the .normal positionof the carrier arm 45 with relation Yto the support bar 49. Asfthecase` moves underthe slide bar 48,.thefhook.44istbrought into operative association withthe ca`se114'.. After. this case has been moved so that the' trailing endv4 ap` 29 has' moved beyond the hook 44, thentlie case' 1'4 strikes.v the actuating arm 40 and the reversing action on the drive of the motor M-Z is effected. The case thus starts to move rearwardly in the apparatus, as indicated in Fig. 8. Thus the hook 44 moves or catches in under the trailing end ap 29 and it eiects a gradual lifting action thereon with continued reverse movement of the case 14. That movement of the case 14 then brings the leading end of the case 14, or else one side flap 15 thereof into engagement with the actuating arm 41 for the second reversing switch LS-2 of the apparatus. At such time, as hereinafter described, the drive of the motor M-2 is reversed again and the case 14 will be moved in a forward direction through the case opening apparatus 1 and out of the apparatus for other processing action as desired. However, by this time all four flaps on the case 14 will have been opened to expose the contents thereof for either being lifted out of the case 14, or -for the case 14 to be dumped or to be otherwise processed to permit use of the containers within the case.

In passing out of the apparatus 1, the case 14 or side ap thereon will contact actuation arm 42 for LS-3 and this effects a resetting of the control switches LS-1 and LS-2 of the apparatus, as hereinafter described.

Each time a case 14 is moved into the center portions of the belts 31, the actuation arm 43 of limit switch LS-4 is actuated and this provides a safety control in the apparatus to turn off all motors in the case opening apparatus, should such safety switch LS4 be actuated longer than a predetermined time interval.

Suitable guide bars 44a are adjustably positioned by the frame 2 to engage the sides of the case 14 and hold it centrally of the apparatus 1 while being processed therein.

Electric circuitdetails The control circuits involved and utilizing the limit switches LS-l, LS-2, LS-3 and LS-4, referred to hereinbefore and shown in the drawings, is detailed in Fig. 10 of the drawings. Thus a plurality of power supply leads 100, 101 and 102 are provided and they connect to the infeed drive motor 10 by a plurality of leads 104 connecting the individual power supply leads to the motor 10. Each of these leads 104 has a control switch 105 provided therein. These three control switches 105 are operated as a unit by a suitable motor starter referred to hereinafter.

Power to a flap opener drive motor 106 (M-Z) for forward drive thereof is supplied by a plurality of leads 107 connecting the individual power supply leads'to the motor 106 through a plurality of individual line control switches 108. The control switches 108 are adapted to be operated as a unit by a suitable motor started member hereinafter described. When the motor 106 is to be reversed, power then is supplied to the motor 106 by leads 109, 110 and 111 with each of such lines having a switch 112 provided therein. Thus each switch 112 is controlled by the motor starter provided for the motor 106 andthe three switches 112 are adapted to be operated as a unit in alternate closing relationship to the switches 108.

The actual regulation or control means for use with the apparatus of the invention is provided with powerV by a transformer 113 that is connected to the leads 100 and 102. The transformer secondary supplies power to leads 114 and 115 connected for operating the control means of the invention. A lead 116 connects between the leads 114 and 115 for supply of operating power to the control circuit. This lead 116 has a selector switch 117 comprising a double pole double throwvswitch, for example, therein. When such switch 117 is placed on the position indicated at A in the drawings, this sets up automatic operation of the apparatus and closes the power circuit through a contact 117a to a normally closed stop switch 118. A normally open start switch 119 is also connected in the lead 116 and starts the apparatus when temporarily closed manually for start of operation of the apparatus. The lead 116 has a normally closed switch, or contact 121a of a time delay relay 121 connected therein. The time delay relay 121 thus controls tlow of current through the lead 116 to an operating coil 124 for a first control relay 125 connected therein, so as to actuate such relay 125 when the starter switch 119 is closed. The relay 125 controls two switches indicated at 125:1 and 125b in the drawings. These switches normally are open but are closed by actuation of the relay 125 by the starter switch 119. The switch 125a shorts around the starter switch 119 to maintain the apparatus in operation after the operational circuit is once energized by temporarily closing the switch 119. A second power supply lead 126 extends from the lead 116 past the starter switch 119 for connection to the remainder of the apparatus of the invention to supply power thereto, and with power being supplied to such lead 126 as long as control relay 125 remains closed. The lead 126 has a power supply lead 127 extending therefrom and extending through an energization coil 128 for an infeed relay-type motor starter 129 over to the opposite power circuit lead 115. Thus, power is supplied to the motor starter 129 which controls the three switches and supply of power to the infeed drive motor 10 so that such motor will run continually as long as the control relay remains closed.

A second power transmitting lead 130 connects to the lead 126 to couple it to the opposite power lead 115 and with such lead 130 transmitting power to an operating coil 133a of a reversible Imotor starter 133. The lead 130 connects through a normally closed switch 131a of a second control relay 131. A switch 132 is also closed in this lead 130 by the selector switch 117 so that power supplied to the lead y130 ilows through an interlocked normally closed contact 133b, controlled by the reversible starter 133 and opened when the coil 133C is energized, to the operating coil 133a therefor which is thereby actuated and closes the power supply to the motor 106 for forward movement thereof. Hence, the motor 106 will be driven to move cases forwardly through the apparatus of the invention until a side llap of a box being opened trips and temporarily closes LS-l, which is the first reversing switch in the control.

Closing of LS-l energizes coil 13117 of the second control relay 131 through normally closed LS-2, a normally closed contact 134a controlled by a third control relay 134 to be hereinafter described, and a lead 126a extending from the lead 126. The energization of the second control relay 131 will close an energization circuit for such relay through normally open switch 131e to close a circuit around LS-l and the Contact 134a, The energization of the control relay 131 also closes a switch 131d in lead 135 which energizes a reversing coil 133e of the reversible motor control starter 133. Energization of the coil 133C effects the continuous reverse drive of the motor 106 by opening the switches 108 and closing switches 112. A normally closed switch 133d, opened by actuation of the forward drive coil of the motor starter 133, is connected in the lead 135 that connects to power lead 126er. Hence, the tripping of LS-.1 effects a reversal of the motor 106 and moves the processed box back into contact with LS2 and temporarily trips such switch from its normally closed position to an open position. During such reverse movement of the case, the then trailing end flap will be opened as previously described.

As the next operation, controlled by LS-2, the control relay 131 and the circuit for the reversing coil 133C will be opened and the further, or third control relay 134 will be energized. Such circuit for an energization coil 134b of the control relay 134 is controlled by a normally closed switch 13651 operated by a yfourth control relay 136 connected in the circuit means of the invention. A lead 138 connects to the control relay 134 and connects through alead 139 to the power supplyleadj126 by-:aswitch 140 temporarily closed when LS-2 is actuated. The third control relay` 134 maintains itself energized by meansl of a normally open switch 134e controlled Aand 1-32: so that themotor 106. will now be driven,.forvt/ardly.

The case being processed is now ready to be moved out ofthe ap opening apparatus with all1 four iiapsY thereof open. As' the. case moves out ofthe processing-j apparatus, it contacts and trips LS-3 to close a. power'supply'circuit through a rlead 141. that connects lead 126. to' the operating coil 142I for' the fourth control relayV 136. By such movement, the casei has previously passed and tripped LST-1l butidoes not close any circuit becausenormally closed switch 134:1 isl'heldlopen by. ener-gizationlof thethird control relay 134, at suchtime. ThisY energization of the fourth control relay 136 opens switch 136:1 and. thus opens-'the circuit` to the third control relay 1.34, and the operating mechanism is readyfor entry-'of anew casethereinto for forward and reverse movement through thefiiap opening portion of the apparatus. p

LS-4 is a safety limit switch inthe apparatus4 and when it is closed by acase in the forward-reverse portion of the apparatus-,1, it energizes a coil143 of theltime'delay relay 1,21.. The switch 121a is normally closed and only opened after a predetermined time delay after-the energization of the coil 143 controlling the time delay relay 121.V Such relay 121 requires continued energizaftion for its switch or contact opening action. The time delay relay 121 is of the instantaneous resettype when de-energized. Each time a case moves into the forward-reverse portion of the apparatus, the coil 143 is energizedY and maintained energizedras long as the caseis in that portion of the apparatusl Lead 147 connects to LS-4V and power lead 126.V Should a case stay in the forward-reverse portion of the apparatus too long and LS-4 remain closed for v circuit means, and means for opening the remainingand.,y

an excessive time, the coil 143 will effect opening of the relay 12S andstop both motors 101 and 106 by opening the switch 121:1. y

If for any reason it be desired to eliminate the automatic'functioning of the apparatus and merely move cases forwardly through the apparatus, the switch 1'117 can be setto position M and in such position it willi close contact 132 through a lead 144 to the power lead 114-so that theiflap opener drive motor 106 is continuously driven forwardly.

If it is necessary to have a cooling action on the motor 106 or other portions of the apparatus, a motor 145 is provided for driving a suitable blower. Thismotor 145 is connected between the power leads 114 and r115 by a lead 146 having a normally open switch 125b in such circuit, which switch is closed when control relay 125 is energized;

Any conventional fusing means is provided in the power supply circuit and the transformerV 113 is grounded.

Afnormally closed demand control switch 148 is provided in theV lead 127 and may be operated by a remote control unit usually positioned at the apparatus to which the cases14 are passed by the apparatus 1. Thus if cases are improperly accumulated in such open casereceiving unit, such cases could actuate'an electric photo-cell control, a time delay switch, or other conventional control 149 to open the demand control switch 148 and prevent the motor starter 129 for the infeed motor 10 from being energized and no cases will move into the apparatus until the switch 148 is closed by the opened cases moving on for further processing. t

In some instances, it may be desiredtomove the cases by alsecond'fdriven conveyor, for example, in the forwardreverse part of the apparatusvon which the cases would be supported. Orl, Varms on a` driven endless' belt could 8 engage the casesi 14 tosmove them over the roller conveyor 30.

VFrom the foregoing, it will be seen that a positive type of a foun tlapfcase openingI apparatus. has been'providedv` b-ythe, invention.` The apparatusis' adapted to function automatically andwith they conveyor belt 8 being adapted tobe. driven atf a speedV that it will feed cases 14.- into-theforward-reverse. section of the apparatus at sucha,- rate astopermit .them tobefully opened or processed'thereinV before admittingv a new case to this section of the apparatusl for opening the fourth orremaining end ap ofthe case being processed; The apparatus is relatively 'uncomf plicated toconstruct and'can be easily adjusted tooperate uponfa dilerentsize case, as desired. The movement of the cases beingprocessed: is positively controlled in the apparatus and cases will not beV harmed in; anymanner while'being opened-in: the apparatus of the invention.

Thusit is believedY that the objects of the, invention have ybeen achieved.

While oneY complete embodiment of the invention has been disclosed herein,` it will. be appreciated that' modification of this particular embodiment of the inventionmay be resorted to without departing. from the scope of the invention as dened in theV appended claims.

What is, claimed is:

l. In a flap opening.V apparatus for corrugated: boxes,y

cases. or the like, means to` support thev processed cases,

means. to open the side and trailing end flaps-of the.cases means to engage the side. flaps of the cases and'. control the movement of the cases on said support means'r elec tric means. to drive said engaging. means, electric; circuit. means toY control said electricv means todrive said' engaging means forwardly normally, switch and control'means in the path of thecases to be contacted thereby to reverse the drive of. said engaging means by saidelectric then trailing end flap of the casewhen moving.in-thereverse. direction.. Y Y

V2. In a ap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes,

cases or the like, means to support the processed cases,V

the side andtrailing end flaps of the cases beingopen, means to engage the side flaps of the cases and. control the movement of the cases on said support means,l elec- 'tric means to drive said engaging means, electriocircuit means to control said electric means to drivesaid engaging means forwardly, switch and control means inthe path of the cases to be contacted thereby to` reverse thek drive ofl said. engaging means by said electric circuit means, means for opening the remaining. and then trailing, end ap ofthe. caseiwhen moving, in the` reverse direction,

anda control switch in therpath. of movement., of the case when moving rearwardly for actuation thereby andi connected to said electric circuit Vmeans to again move the case forwardly.

3. In a ap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes,-l

` be` contacted thereby toY reverse the driveV of-,said casemoving means by said electric circuit means, means forY openingthe remaining and then trailing end ap of the case when moving in the reverse direction, and safety; Y

meansto terminate actuation of said casamos/ing,r means if a caseremains in the apparatus beyond: az predetermined time. Y Y,

4. In a liap opening apparatusfor corrugated'lboxes, cases or the like, means tor support and: move-th'e-.pro-

r essedlcases, means to= openthe' side and trailing fend. flaps off the cases, electric means to' drivev said. casejl moving means1,.electric circuit. means to;cont-rol' said: electric means-.toi drive saidacase-moving means forwardly, switch 9 l means in the path of the cases to be contacted thereby and connected to said electric circuit means to'reverse the drive of said case moving means by said electric circuit means, and means for opening the remaining and then trailing end ap of the case when moving in the reverse direction.

5. A case opening apparatus comprising a conveyor for support of a case having closed side and end flaps thereon for moving the case forwardly, means for opening both the side and trailing end flap on the case as it is moving forwardly, means for moving the case to the rear after said trailing end flap is opened, means for opening the then trailing end ap as the case is moved to the rear, and means for again moving the case forwardly after the second trailing end flap has been opened.

6. A case opening apparatus comprising a conveyor for support of a case having closed side and end aps thereon for moving the case forwardly, meansfor opening both the side and trailing end ap on the case as it is moving forwardly, means for moving the case to the rear after said trailing ap is opened, and means for opening the trailing end ap as the case is moved to the rear.

7. A case opening apparatus comprising a conveyor for support of a case having closed end flaps thereon for moving the case forwardly, means for opening the trailing end ap on the case as it is moving forwardly, a limit switch actuated by a processed case after the trailing end flap isy opened, means for moving the case to the rear after said limit switch is actuated, means for opening the remaining and now trailing end flap as the case is moved to the rear, and means including a control switch actuated by a processed case for again moving the case forwardly after the second trailing end flap has been opened.

8. In a ap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes, cases arid the like, means to support the cases and move them forwardly, the cases having the side flaps thereon open, and means for opening the trailing end ap on the cases as they are moved forwardly, said end ap opening means comprising a pivotally positioned support arm, a hook carried by said support arm to engage an end ap and hold it against forward movement to open such ap, a control arm pivotally positioned adjacent said support arm, roller means on said control arm to contact any cases being processed and to be moved up thereby, and means connecting said control arm to said support arm to move said support arm oppositely to said control arm and position said hook for engaging an end ilap of a case engaged by said roller means.

9. In a ap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes, cases and the like, means to support the boxes and move them forwardly, the boxes having the side flaps thereon open, and means for opening the trailing end ap on the cases as they are moved forwardly, said end flap opening means comprising a pivotally positioned support arm, hook means on said support arm to engage an end flap of a case and open it on forward movement of the case, a control arm pivotally positioned adjacent said support arm, means on said control arm to contact any cases being processed and be moved up thereby, and means connecting said control arm to said support arm to move said support arm oppositely to said control arm and position said hook means for engaging an end flap of a case engaged by said control arm means.

l0. In a case opening apparatus, a frame, a pair of driven endless belts operatively journalled on said frame for individually engaging corresponding surfaces of each of the pair of side aps of a case when opened, back-up rolls carried by said frame for said side flaps and engaging the opposite surfaces of said side flaps when opened, resilient means positioning said backaup rolls on said frame to hold such side aps against said belts, a plurality of pulleys journalled on said frame and engaging said belts intermediate the journal means to retain portions of said belts in case engaging positions, and con- 10 veyor means adjacent said frame and extending parallel to said endless belts to support the case for movement by said driven belts.

11. In a flap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes, cases and the like, means to support the cases, means to move the cases forwardly and then in a reverse direction, the cases having the side iiaps thereon open, and means for opening an end flap on the cases as they are moved forwardly and then in a reverse direction, said end iiap opening means comprising a pivotally positioned carrier arm, a hook pivotally carried by said carrier arm to engage an end ap and hold it against movement to open such ap, spring means connecting said hook to said carrier arm to lift said hook and facilitate upward movementof said hook, and a slide bar extending forwardly from said hook to engage a case as it is moved forwardly into engagement with such slide bar, said slide bar positioning said hook for engaging the end ap of a case when the case is moved rearwardly after being brought into engagement with said slide bar by forward movement.

l2. In a flap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes, cases and the like, means to support the cases, means to move the cases forwardly and then in a reverse direction, the cases having the side flaps thereon open, and means for opening an end ap on the cases as they are moved forwardly and then in a reverse direction, said end flap opening means comprising a pivotally positioned carrier arm, a hook pivotally carried by saidcarrier arm to engage an end flap and hold it against movement to open such flap on relative movement of the case and hook, and a slide bar extending forwardly from said hook t0 engage a case as it is moved forwardly into engagement with such slide bar, said slide bar positioning said hook for engaging the end flap of a case when the case is moved rearwardly after being brought into engagement with said slide bar by forward movement of the case.

13. In a flap opening-apparatus for-corrugated boxes, cases and the like, means to support the cases, electrically controlled means to move the cases forwardly, the cases having the side flaps thereon open, and means for opening the initially leading end flap on the cases as they are moved forwardly and then in a reverse direction in the apparatus, said end flap opening means comprising a pivotally positioned carrier arm, a hook pivotally carried by said carrier arm to engage an end flap and hold it against movement to open such ap, a slide bar extending forwardly from said hook to engage a case as it is moved forwardly into engagement'with such slide bar, said slide bar positioning said hook for engaging the end flap of a case when the case is moved rearwardly after being brought into engagement with said slide bar by forward movement, and electric control switch means for actuation by a case as moved into engagement with said slide bar for engagement by said hook and connected to said electrically controlled case movement means to move such cases rearwardly.

14. In a flap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes, cases and the like, means to support the cases, means to move the cases forwardly and then in a reverse direction, the cases having the side flaps thereon open, and means for opening an end flap on the cases as they are moved forwardly and then in a reverse direction, said end ap opening means comprising a pivotally positioned carrier arm, a hook pivotally carried by said carrier arm to engage an end flap and hold it against movement to open such flap on relative movement of the case and hook, a slide bar extending forwardly from said hook to engage a case as it is moved forwardly into engagement with such slide bar, said slide bar positioning said hook for engaging the end flap of a case when the case is moved rearwardly after being brought into engagement with said slide bar by forward movement of the case, a support bar limiting the inoperative position of said carrier 11 arm, andy spring means urging said carrier arm towards Sadfsupnvrt bar-l Y 15. In a ap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes, cases andthe like, means: to support the cases and move themA forwardly, the cases having the side flaps thereon open, and means for opening theV trailing end flap on the cases as they are moved forwardly, said end` flap opening". means .comprising a pivotally positioned supportarm,

. a` hook carried 'by said support aim to engage an end.

flapandhold it against forwardrmovement to opensnch ilap, acontrol arm pivotally positionedadjacent said snpport arm, roller means on said control arm to contact an opened side llap of al case being, processed and to be moved up thereby, and means connectingv said. control. arm to. said supportarm to move said support arm op- 'Y positely to said controlV arm and positionA said hook for Y engaging a trailing end ap. of. acase engaged by said roller means, ,said-controllarm retaining said supportV armin aposition to avoid, said hookgouging into a processed case, said support armvbeing free to pivot upwardly as a trailing end flap is opened.

16. In aiiap opening apparatus for corrugated boxes, cases or,k thev like, means to support the processed cases, means, adjacent. said supportmeans.` to open the side. and trailing end aps: of,` thecases, means. operatively associated with said secondfnamed means engaging the cases and controlling the movement of. the cases. on said supportmeans, electric meansf to drive said engaging means,

electric circuitmeans connected to said electrical meansV to `control, said electric means Lto drive said engaging means forwardly normally, switch and control means in the path of the. cases to be contacted thereby to reverse` the` drive. of' said engagingY means by said electric circuit means, and. means operatively associated with saidY support meansv for opening the remaining and then trailing Y endliap ofthe case when moving in therreverseV direction.

17. In a I ap opening apparatus for corrugated` boxes, cases. or the like, means to. support' the'processed.` cases,

the side and trailing end aps of the cases being open,

means to engage the cases and control the movement of` the cases alongV said support means, electric' means connected tovsaid engaging meansto control the `operation thereof, electric circuit means connected to said'electric means to control said electric means to drive said engaging means forwardly, switch and controlv meansv in the 18. A case openingapparatus comprising aconveyor:

for support of a case having closed side and endl flaps thereon, means engaging a case for moving the case for-r wardly, means engaging the case for opening both ,the side andrtrailing end Hap on the case as it is moving fopY wardly, means operatively controllingV said engaging means for moving the case tothe rear after said trailing end ap isV opened, means engaging the case for opening the then; trailing end ap as the case is moved to the rear, and means operatively controlling said engaging` means and actuated by contact with av rearwardly moving Y case on said conveyor for again ,moving the caseI forwardly after the second trailing end flap has been opened;

References Cited'in the ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS.

1,615,631 Kimball Ian. 25, 19.27 2,135,806 VFermann Nov..` 8, 1938 2,216,884 Kott Oct; 8,r 1940 2,542,083 Holstelroel Feb. 20, 19,51 

